But our traveller was impatient to proceed, and seems to have
hailed with delight the announcement that the great Salt-Caravan, which
annually transports the necessary condiment from Bilma _via_ Aheer to
the south, was about to start, and that the Sheikh and the Christians
were to accompany it. Some further disappointments occurred, but at
length the Mission proceeded to Damerghou, whence Drs. Barth and Overweg
went, one to Maradee and the other to Kanou, whilst Mr. Richardson
proceeded alone to Zinder, situated in the province of Damagram. Here he
was well received by the Sarkee, or Governor, and he dilates with
well-founded exultation on his escape from the insolent and rapacious
Tuaricks. Sad sights, however, connected with the slave-trade, checked
his delight. During his stay the Sarkee went out in person to hunt down
the subjects of his own sovereign, that he might pay his debts by
selling them into captivity. After another considerable delay Mr.
Richardson was enabled to start once more, and being obliged to change
his original plan proceeded to Kuka, the capital of Bornou, by way of
Minyo. Shortly after leaving Gurai, the chief town of that province, the
unfortunate traveller found his strength to be gradually giving way. He
had already previously complained of the heat and fatigue, but did not
seem to have felt any great alarm. Now, however, the climate seems to
have told upon him with sudden and fatal violence.
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